Mold Scam? What to Believe?
Producing fear to motivate people is everywhere in our modern society, especially during a mold scam. Unfortunately, it has been determined that people respond to fear. The unethical practice of using fear to motivate people’s decision is an ever-increasing sign of the times we live in. Because fear-driven sales motivate many of our daily purchases without us even noticing it or thinking about it. Why do car commercials show test crashes and extermination companies show your home invaded with bugs?
It is because of fear sales, it’s that simple. In the industry of mold inspections, testing & remediation we have seen these fear-based sales practices used and working with many of our competitors. Also, it is frequent we hear from customers, “you are the first company that I have talked to that hasn’t scared me to death!” Our culture and our modern sales training classes say, “use it to your advantage”.
Primary Goal Should be To Educate You as a Customer
At Fresh Start, we believe in operating our company according to higher standards of morality. Not what the next sales “technique” has to offer. Also, this is an unwavering standard in our company and we adamantly prohibit the use of any scare tactics by any of our staff or technicians. We are here to inform you, not scare you. So, yes, mold and water damage can be dangerous and yes they needed to be handled with professionalism and seriousness. That doesn’t mean we are going to stoop to the level of manipulating you by fear. We will provide you an extensive and detailed analysis of your situation and allow you the homeowner to make the decision with a clutter-free mind & knowing the facts, not another sales pitch. The following is a list of things to watch for during a mold inspection:
- Quick inspections under 30 minutes
- Use of scare tactics and emphasis on a worst-case scenario
- Doesn’t perform an inspection of wall cavities, behind baseboards or other enclosed areas of concern
- Reaches a quick conclusion prior to a thorough investigation being completed.
- Doesn’t show you the results of a moisture reading in the area of concern
- Inflated rates in their estimates or cost of testing
Mold Scam is Full Sales Tactics & Smooth Presentations
Now, let’s discuss the likable factor. I must admit I have chosen services in the past just because “I liked” my sales rep. This is another trick in a sales-focused individual; have you like me so much that you can’t say no to whatever I recommend. This in of itself is an immoral practice of manipulation and focused on what they can get vs. what they can give. Let’s just face it, people aren’t genuine most of the time and when it comes to a service contractor why do you even care if they are genuine? Well, you want to care so you know that they will care about your home and your job!
This is where you having the facts helps you make a “factual” decision based on wisdom, not an emotional one. So, sales training teaches you to capitalize on the customer’s “emotions” vs. providing outstanding service. At FreshStart we believe that if we provide outstanding service and excellent information that you will take notice! So, now let’s discuss how to protect yourself during the process of choosing a mold professional and avoid a mold scam. Having information and knowing what questions to ask is the biggest key to protecting yourself.
We highly recommend all of our customers to check out NORMI’s website www.normi.org. NORMI is the leading firm in helping states write new laws about mold remediation to help protect homeowners in new ways. NORMI has the highest quality standards and has the most rigorous testing for certifications. This is why at FreshStart we chose to be certified by NORMI because we want to not only offer the best services but we want to do business with the best! NORMI stands out above the normal “internet mold certification association” as being the most solid and a leader in the industry. Their website is full of information and they provide a great non-biased opinion, we highly encourage you to check them out.
Things to Take Notice of & Ask During a Mold Inspection or Estimate:
- Ask lots of questions during the inspection. Walk around with them and see what they are doing during the inspection.
- Request a detailed estimate & know exactly what all the charges are for and why
- Ask how they reached their conclusion of what needs to be done in your home
- Beware of scare tactics, quick inspections, unmatched totals or rep getting angry with your questions.
- Meet guidelines outlined in the “How to Choose a Professional” list